Section 284 BNSS: Summary trial by Magistrate of second class

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Section 284 BNSS at a Glance

Section 284 BNSS deals with summary trial by Magistrate of second class. It replaced Section 261 CrPC on 1 July 2024.

Was CrPC

Section 261 →

Section 284 BNSS Bare Act Text

284. Summary trial by Magistrate of the second class

Summary trial by Magistrate of second class.

The High Court may confer on any Magistrate invested with the powers of a Magistrate of the second class power to try summarily any offence which is punishable only with fine or with imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months with or without fine, and any abetment of or attempt to commit any such offence.

Source: Section 284, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

Section 284 BNSS in Simple Words

Section 284 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 speaks of the High Court conferring a power on any Magistrate invested with the powers of a Magistrate of the second class.

The power is to try summarily any offence which is punishable only with fine or with imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months with or without fine.

The power is also to try summarily any abetment of or attempt to commit any such offence.

When Section 284 BNSS Applies

  • The High Court may confer the power on any Magistrate invested with the powers of a Magistrate of the second class.
  • The power is to try summarily any offence which is punishable only with fine or with imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months with or without fine.
  • The power is also to try summarily any abetment of or attempt to commit any such offence.

Example of Section 284 BNSS

The High Court confers on Meera, a Magistrate invested with the powers of a Magistrate of the second class, power to try summarily under Section 284 BNSS. Vikram is accused of an offence which is punishable only with fine. Meera may try the case against Vikram summarily. Farhan is accused of an attempt to commit that offence, and the power also extends to the attempt.

When Section 284 BNSS Does Not Apply

  • Section 284 BNSS speaks of a Magistrate invested with the powers of a Magistrate of the second class. It does not deal with the Chief Judicial Magistrate, a Metropolitan Magistrate or a Magistrate of the first class specially empowered by the High Court, who are the subject of Section 283 BNSS.
  • Section 284 BNSS speaks of the power to try summarily. It does not deal with the procedure for summary trials, which is the subject of Section 285 BNSS.

Section 284 BNSS in the CrPC (Previous Law)

Section 284 BNSS replaces Section 261 CrPC from the old criminal code.

Section 261 CrPC is found in Section 284 BNSS from 1 July 2024. The text is the same.

View CrPC Section 261 →

FAQs on Section 284 BNSS

On whom may the High Court confer power under Section 284 BNSS?▼

The High Court may confer power to try summarily on any Magistrate invested with the powers of a Magistrate of the second class.

Which offences may be tried summarily under Section 284 BNSS?▼

Any offence which is punishable only with fine or with imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months with or without fine.

Does Section 284 BNSS speak of abetment and attempt?▼

Yes. The power is to try summarily any offence of the kind described, and any abetment of or attempt to commit any such offence.

What changed from Section 261 CrPC to Section 284 BNSS from 1 July 2024?▼

Section 284 BNSS has the same text as Section 261 CrPC.

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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Bare Act Text, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 26 Oct 2026 ·